Vintage Omega Constellation 168.017 watch Chronometer Meister 1970

SPECIFICATION

Reference: 168.017
Movement: Omega, caliber 564
Age: Circa 1970
Case Size: 34mm
Case Thickness: 10mm
Lug to Lug: 40mm
Lugs: 19mm
Condition: used Omega watch
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

 POINTS TO MENTION

• In preowned condition with light signs of wear from use
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
• Co-signed silver Meister dial
• Fully serviced movement
• Signed Omega crystal
• Signed Omega crown
• Paired with a grey leather epsom strap

THE WATCH

The Omega Constellation Ref. 168.017 is a highly regarded vintage automatic wristwatch produced by Omega between approximately 1966 and 1972. Part of the prestigious Constellation collection, it is celebrated for its combination of elegant styling, exceptional craftsmanship and chronometer-certified precision, making it a favourite among collectors of classic Swiss watches.

This reference is powered by the renowned Omega Calibre 564 automatic movement, a 24-jewel, officially certified chronometer that features centre seconds and a quick-set date function. The Calibre 564 is widely considered one of Omega's finest vintage movements thanks to its reliability, smooth operation and excellent timekeeping when properly serviced.

The watch measures approximately 34mm in diameter with a 19mm lug width, making it an ideal size for both vintage enthusiasts and everyday wear. It features a domed acrylic crystal and a screw-down case back adorned with Omega's famous Geneva Observatory medallion, a hallmark of the Constellation range and a symbol of the brand's success in chronometer competitions.

One of the defining characteristics of the Ref. 168.017 is its distinctive "C-Shape" case, a design widely attributed to legendary watch designer Gérald Genta. The flowing case profile perfectly captures the style of the late 1960s and remains one of the most recognisable and sought-after Constellation designs. Depending on the specific variant, the watch may feature a sunburst, silver, champagne, black or textured dial, typically complemented by an applied Omega logo, applied baton hour markers and the iconic Constellation star above the 6 o'clock position.

CO-SIGNED MEISTER DIAL

Meister 1881 was founded in Zurich in 1881 by goldsmith Emil Meister. What began as a small jewelry and silverware shop grew over four generations into one of Switzerland’s best-known luxury retailers for jewelry, watches, silver, and fine tableware. The company became especially prominent on Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse, where it built a reputation for: high-end Swiss watches, bespoke jewelry, gemstones and pearls and in-house goldsmith and watchmaking workshops.

During the mid-20th century, Meister sold watches from brands such as Omega and occasionally had its retailer name printed on the dial. These “Meister-signed” or “double-signed” OR ''co-signed'' watches are now collectible among vintage watch enthusiasts. Omega Seamasters and Constellations with the small “Meister” signature above 6 o’clock are the most commonly seen examples.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

Omega first introduced the Constellation in 1952, at the time it was Omega's flagship timepiece, the first models had a Cal. 354 bumper movement in them. Later in 1955, Omega introduced the Automatic Cal. 50x, followed in 1959 by the Cal.55x (no date) and 56x (date) versions. Many of the Constellations came with pie-pan dials, diamond indexes, and fancy lug configurations, and all the gold Constellations of that time had the Observatory of Geneva's hand engraved on the back. The stainless steel and stainless steel/gold versions had a gold medallion on the back with the Observatory of Geneva, the eight stars above the Observatory stand for the many exploits of Omega in the world Chronometer competition, celebrating the fact that all Constellations are Chronometer Certified. In 1964, Omega introduced its first Constellation with the “C” case, due to the case resembling two mirrored Cs, the “C” case was a modern move away from the popular round Constellations of the 1950s.

OUR THOUGHTS

The Omega Constellation Ref. 168.017 remains an excellent example of Omega's commitment to precision engineering and refined design during the golden age of Swiss watchmaking, making it a superb choice for both collectors and those seeking an elegant vintage timepiece with lasting appeal.